Light-emitting apparatus

ABSTRACT

A light-emitting apparatus package of the present invention includes (i) an electrically insulated ceramic substrate, (ii) a first concave section formed in the direction of thickness of the ceramic substrate so as to form a light exit aperture in a surface of the ceramic substrate, (iii) a second concave section formed within the first concave section in the further direction of thickness of the ceramic substrate so that one or more light-emitting devices are provided therein, (iv) a wiring pattern for supplying electricity, which is provided in the first concave section, and (v) a metalized layer having light-reflectivity, which is (a) provided between the light-emitting device and the surface of the second concave section of the substrate, and (b) electrically insulated from the wiring pattern. On the account of this, the light-emitting apparatus package in which heat is excellently discharged and light is efficiently utilized and a light-emitting apparatus in which the light-emitting apparatus package is used can be obtained.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No.14/085,289, filed Nov. 20, 2013, which is a continuation application ofU.S. Ser. No. 13/830,059, filed Mar. 14, 2013, and issued Jan. 14, 2014as U.S. Pat. No. 8,629,476, which is a divisional application of U.S.Ser. No. 13/222,739, filed Aug. 31, 2011, and issued Apr. 16, 2013 asU.S. Pat. No. 8,421,109, which is a divisional application of U.S. Ser.No. 12/540,220, filed Aug. 12, 2009 and issued Oct. 4, 2011 as U.S. Pat.No. 8,030,675, which is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No.10/816,736, filed Apr. 1, 2004 and issued Aug. 25, 2009 as U.S. Pat. No.7,579,629, and which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) on PatentApplication No. 2003/098554 filed in Japan on Apr. 1, 2003, and PatentApplication No. 2003/104669 filed in Japan on Apr. 8, 2003, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to (i) a light-emitting apparatus packagefor a light source, driven by a large current intensity, such as abacklight source, such as a light-emitting diode, used for a liquidcrystal display (LCD) and an illumination light source, (ii) alight-emitting apparatus in which the light-emitting apparatus packageis used, (iii) a backlight apparatus in which the light-emittingapparatus is used, and (iv) a display apparatus in which the backlightapparatus is used.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a conventional light-emitting apparatus of surface-mounted type,light-emitting device as shown in FIG. 62 and FIG. 63, a light-emittingdevice 3 such as a light-emitting diode (LED) is provided on anelectrically insulated substrate 1, which is made of a resin such as aglass-fiber-added epoxy resin. On a surface of the electricallyinsulated substrate 1, an electric wiring pattern is provided. On thelight-emitting device 3, an Au wire 4 is provided. Then, thelight-emitting device 3 and the Au wire 4 are sealed with a transparentresin 5 by carrying out a molding such as a transfer-molding. Theinsulated substrate 1 has a shape of a flat plate.

In another conventional light-emitting apparatus of surface-mountedtype, as shown in FIG. 64 and FIG. 65, lead frames 6 are insert-moldedin a resin substrate 7. On the insert-molded lead frames 6,light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 are provided, respectively, so as tobe connected to the insert-molded lead frames 6 via Au wires 4. Then, acup section of the light-emitting apparatus is sealed with a resin suchas an epoxy resin. Alternatively, it may be arranged such that anelectric wiring pattern is provided on the surface of the resinsubstrate 7, instead of the lead frames 6.

FIG. 66 and FIG. 67 are cross sectional views illustrating optical pathsduring the light emitting, respectively. According to anotherconventional arrangement, a reflective case whose center has a space isprovided on the electrically insulated substrate 1 shown in FIG. 62. Inthe space of the reflective case, a light-emitting device is provided,and a plastic molding is formed in the space. Note that this arrangementis consequently similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 64.

Further, in Japanese Publication for Utility Model No. 5-8959(Jitsukaihei 5-8959, published on Feb. 5, 1993), disclosed is alight-emitting device package. The package includes a rectangularelectrically insulated substrate having a light-emitting device in itsconcave portion. In one side surface of the substrate, a first groove isprovided so as to bridge an upper surface of the substrate and a bottomsurface of the substrate. In the other side surface of the substrate, asecond groove is provided so as to bridge the upper surface of thesubstrate and a second surface of the concave portion. With the package,the first groove allows the polarity of the light-emitting device to berecognized because of its appearance, thereby enabling thelight-emitting device to function properly.

Further, in Japanese Publication for Unexamined Patent Application No.2002-246650 (Tokukai 2002-246650, published on Aug. 30, 2002), disclosedis a light-emitting diode apparatus in which (i) an electric wiringpattern is provided, by using the MID method, in an electricallyinsulated cup section, and (ii) a light-emitting diode is provided onthe electric wiring pattern. According to the light-emitting diodeapparatus, it is possible to avoid the breaking of wire caused by thestress exerted in a lamp-type lead frame due to the resin.

Further, in Japanese Publication for Utility Model No. 4-105562(Jitsukaihei 4-105562, published on Sep. 10, 1992) disclosed is alight-emitting device package in which (i) a metal reflective film isadherently provided in a wall of a concave portion of a black-coloredelectrically insulated substrate, and (ii) a light-emitting diode isprovided in the concave portion. According to the light-emitting devicepackage, light does not leak into adjacent concave portions.Accordingly, characters and images can be clearly displayed.

Furthermore, in Japanese Publication for Unexamined Patent ApplicationNo. 6-77540 (Tokukaihei 6-77540, published on Mar. 18, 1994), disclosedis an optical semiconductor apparatus including (i) a substrate, (ii) anoptical semiconductor provided on the substrate, and (iii) a reflectormade of a thick film provided so as to surround the opticalsemiconductor, the reflector having a shape of substrate. According tothe optical semiconductor apparatus, since the thick film is provided onthe substrate, the optical semiconductor apparatus has an excellentadhesiveness to the substrate, thereby making the size of the opticalsemiconductor apparatus smaller.

Further, a semiconductor apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Publicationfor Unexamined Patent Application No. 2002-314149 (Tokukai 2002-314149,published in on Oct. 25, 2002). In the semiconductor apparatus, (i) acavity having a stair-like structure is provided, (ii) a metal plate onwhich an optical semiconductor device is provided is provided on thecavity wall, and (iii) a semiconductor element for controlling isprovided on the bottom surface of the metal plate. With thesemiconductor apparatus, it is possible to prevent the malfunction ofthe semiconductor element due to the light from the opticalsemiconductor device. Also the semiconductor apparatus can be containedin a smaller package.

In the foregoing conventional arts, the emission of the light-emittingdevice 3 such as an LED is carried out in response to the currentsupplied to the light-emitting device 3. Accordingly, the luminosityincreases as the amount of current increases. However, the increasing inthe current causes the generated heat value of the light-emitting device3 to increase, accordingly, such that the light-emitting device 3receives the heat stress. On this account, luminosity increases lessthan expected and the reliability is affected adversely.

Therefore, in order to discharge the heat, a radiator is provided on thewiring substrate having the light-emitting device 3. However, in FIG.68, a wiring substrate 32 is disposed between the light-emitting device3 serving as heating element and the radiator 33. The wiring substrate32 has heat conductivity that is as poor as the substrate 1 made of aresin. Accordingly, the effect of the radiator significantly decreases.The effect of the heat discharging in the arrangement in FIG. 69significantly also decreases in the same manner as in the arrangement inFIG. 68.

Furthermore, because the light-emitting apparatus is required to bedownsized, the thickness of a support section of the light-emittingdevice becomes thinner. On this account, there is a possibility that thelight passes through the support section although it depends on thematerial of the support section. This raises a problem that efficiencyof light irradiating to an intended direction decreases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide (i) alight-emittingapparatus package which causes luminosity, stability, radiation propertyof the light-emitting device to be improved, (ii) alight-emittingapparatus in which the light-emitting apparatus package is used, (iii) abacklight apparatus in which the light-emitting apparatus package isused, (iv) a display apparatus in which the light-emitting apparatuspackage is used.

To achieve the object, a light-emitting apparatus package of the presentinvention includes: a ceramic substrate having an electric insulatingproperty and a good heat conductivity; a first concave section recessedin a thickness direction of the ceramic substrate, the first concavesection providing alight exist aperture on a top surface of the ceramicsubstrate; a second concave section, provided in the first concavesection, and further recessed in the thickness direction of the ceramicsubstrate, the second concave section for providing an area for mountinga light-emitting device; a wiring pattern provided in at least one ofthe first concave section and the second concave section, the wiringpattern for supplying electricity to the light-emitting device; and ametalized layer, (i) provided on an internal surface of the concavesections (inside-concave-section) of the ceramic substrate in such amanner that the area for mounting the light-emitting device issandwiched between the metalized layer and the light exit aperture, andin such a manner that the metalized layer is electrically insulated fromthe wiring pattern, the metalized layer having a light reflectiveproperty.

According to the arrangement in which the first concave section and thesecond concave section are provided, the light-emitting device, thewiring pattern, and connecting members which connect the light-emittingdevice to the wiring pattern are provided in the first concave sectionand the second concave section. On the account of this, a size of thelight-emitting apparatus can be smaller and it is possible to secure theconnections carried out by the connecting members become firm. Also,because the metalized layer is made of a metal, the metalized layer hasbetter heat conductivity than a ceramic substrate.

Further, according to the arrangement in which the metalized layer madefrom silver plating or the like is provided between the light-emittingdevice and the surface of the second concave section of the substrate,heat generated due to light emittance by the light-emitting device canbe efficiently discharged to outside via the metalized layer and theceramic substrate. On the account of this, the light-emitting device canstably emit light.

Furthermore, according to the arrangement in which the metalized layeris provided between the light-emitting device and the surface of thesecond concave section of the substrate, even though light emitted fromthe light-emitting device is reflected to the opposite direction to thelight exit aperture—in other words, the light becomes stray light —, themetalized layer reflects the stray light toward the light exit aperture,thereby improving efficiency in utilizing the light emitted from thelight-emitting device.

To achieve the object, a light-emitting apparatus of the presentinvention includes a light-emitting device, provided in the secondconcave section, the light-emitting device having an electrode on thatpart of the inside-concave-section surface in which no light-emittingdevice is provided; a wire for electrically connecting the wiringpattern and the electrode of the light-emitting device; and atransparent resin section for sealing the light-emitting device and thewire, the transparent resin having light transmitting property.

According to the arrangement in which any one of the light-emittingapparatus package described above is used, heat generated when thelight-emitting device emits light can be efficiently discharged tooutside via the metalized layer and the ceramic substrate. On theaccount of this, the light-emitting device can stably emit light.

Further, according to the arrangement in which the metalized layerhaving proper heat-reflectivity is provided between the light-emittingdevice and the surface of the second concave section of the substrate,even though light emitted from the light-emitting device is reflected tothe opposite direction to the light exit aperture—in other words, thelight becomes stray light —, the metalized layer reflects the straylight again to the light exit aperture, thereby improving efficiencythat light emitted from the light-emitting device is utilized.

To achieve the object, another light-emitting apparatus of the presentinvention includes (i) one or more light-emitting devices for emittinglight by converting a current into the light, (ii) at least onelight-emitting device substrate on a first surface of which at least oneof the one or more of the light-emitting devices is provided, (iii) aheat-discharging member bonded to at least one of a second surface andthird surfaces of the light-emitting device substrate.

To achieve the object, a backlight apparatus of the present inventionincludes a light-emitting apparatus; and a light guide plate whoselight-receiving end face faces a light-emitting part of thelight-emitting apparatus, the light guide plate propagating therethroughlight received on the light-receiving end face, and then emitting thelight from a surface.

To achieve the object, a display apparatus of the present inventionincludes a display panel having a pair of substrates, which sandwich adisplaying medium therebetween, the display panel displaying by applyinga display voltage between the substrates; and the backlight apparatusprovided on a bottom surface of the display panel.

Thereinafter, effect of the present invention in accordance with theforegoing arrangement is explained. In the present invention, only alight-emitting device substrate (for example, a ceramic substrate) isprovided between a light-emitting device (for example, a light-emittingdiode; referred to as a LED chip) and a heat-discharging member(heat-discharging element). The arrangement is much simpler than anarrangement of a conventional art in which a connecting substrate madeof resin is additionally provided between the light-emitting device andthe heat-discharging member. With such a simpler arrangement, heat isconducted more efficiently to the heat-discharging element from the LEDchip. Therefore, according to the arrangement, it is possible to preventthe LED chip from being heated up to a high temperature, therebyavoiding luminosity from being deteriorated by heat. On the account ofthis, deterioration of the LED chip with time can be alleviated.

Further, in case where the light-emitting device substrate is, forexample, a ceramic substrate instead of a resin substrate, which is usedin a light-emitting device substrate of the conventional arts, heat ismore efficiently conducted to the heat-discharging apparatus from theLED chip.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of theinvention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a light-emitting apparatus inaccordance with First Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing respective light-emitting devices ofthe light-emitting apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view illustrating a light-emitting apparatuspackage used for the light-emitting apparatus.

FIG. 4 is another cross sectional view illustrating a light-emittingapparatus package used for the light-emitting apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view illustrating respective optical pathsof the light emitted from the light-emitting devices.

FIG. 6 is another cross sectional view illustrating optical paths of thelight emitted from the light-emitting devices.

FIG. 7 is a cross section view illustrating a light-emitting apparatuspackage in accordance with Second Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is another cross sectional view illustrating a light-emittingapparatus package of the Second Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view illustrating a modified example of theSecond Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is another cross sectional view illustrating a modified examplein accordance with the Second Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view illustrating optical paths of thelight emitted from respective light-emitting devices of a light-emittingapparatus in accordance with the Second Embodiment.

FIG. 12 is another cross sectional view illustrating optical paths ofthe light emitted from respective light-emitting devices of alight-emitting apparatus in accordance with the Second Embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view illustrating another modified examplein accordance with the Second Embodiment.

FIG. 14 is another cross section view illustrating the modified exampleof the Second Embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view illustrating a light-emittingapparatus package in accordance with Third Embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 is another cross sectional view illustrating the ThirdEmbodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view illustrating a light-emittingapparatus package in accordance with Fourth Embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is another cross sectional view illustrating the FourthEmbodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view illustrating optical paths of thelight emitted from respective light-emitting devices in accordance withthe Fourth Embodiment.

FIG. 20 is another cross sectional view illustrating optical paths ofthe light emitted from respective light-emitting devices in accordancewith the Fourth Embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram showing light-emitting devices andcapacitance elements in accordance with Fifth Embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view illustrating the light-emittingapparatus of the Fifth Embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a plane view illustrating the light-emitting apparatus.

FIG. 24 is a rear view illustrating the light-emitting apparatus.

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view illustrating a light-emittingapparatus package for use in the light-emitting apparatus.

FIG. 26 is another cross sectional view illustrating a light-emittingapparatus package for use in the light-emitting apparatus.

FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view illustrating a light-emittingapparatus in accordance with Sixth Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view showing a modified example inaccordance with the Sixth Embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a circuitry showing respective light-emitting devices used inthe Sixth Embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view illustrating another modified examplein accordance with the Sixth Embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a plane view illustration of the modified example of theSixth Embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a cross sectional view illustrating a main part of anelectronic apparatus including a light-emitting apparatus in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of an LEDlighting system in accordance with Seventh Embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 34 shows the ceramic substrate in FIG. 33, FIG. 34(a) is a planview, FIG. 34(b) is a side view, and FIG. 34(c) is a cross sectionalview.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which LED chipsare provided in the ceramic substrate shown in FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 shows the ceramic substrate in FIG. 34, FIG. 36(a) is a planview, FIG. 36(b) is a side view, and FIG. 36(c) is a cross sectionalview.

FIGS. 37(a) to 37(c) show how the ceramic substrate shown in FIG. 36 isarranged, FIG. 37(a) is a plan view, FIG. 37(b) is a side view, and FIG.37(c) is a cross sectional view.

FIGS. 38(a) to 38(c) show the ceramic substrate in FIG. 37, FIG. 38 (a)is a plan view, FIG. 38 (b) is a side view, and FIG. 38 (c) is a crosssectional view.

FIGS. 39(a) and 39(b) show arrangements of the connecting substrate inFIG. 33. FIG. 39(a) is a plan view illustrating a one example of theconnecting substrate. FIG. 39 (b) is a plan view illustrating anotherexample of the connecting substrate.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view illustrating a radiator (heat-dischargingmember) in FIG. 33.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view illustrating another radiator provideddifferently from FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view illustrating another arrangement ofthe LED lighting apparatus of Seventh Embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 43 is a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of the LEDlighting apparatus of Eighth Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a plan view illustrating an LCD backlight module of NinthEmbodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a cross sectional view of the backlight module shown in FIG.44.

FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the LCD backlightmodule shown in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of a mainpart of an LED lighting apparatus of Tenth Embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the LED lighting apparatus shown inFIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view illustrating another arrangement of theLED lighting apparatus shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 50 is a cross sectional view illustrating optical paths of thelight emitted from LED chips in cases where no lens function element isprovided in the window section of the connecting substrate.

FIG. 51 is a cross sectional view illustrating optical paths of thelight emitted from LED chips in cases where a lens function element isprovided in the window section of the connecting substrate.

FIG. 52 is a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of an LEDlighting apparatus of Eleventh Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 53 is a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of an LEDlighting apparatus of Twelfth Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 54 is a cross sectional view illustrating another arrangement ofthe LED lighting apparatus shown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is a cross sectional view illustrating still another arrangementin the LED lighting apparatus shown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 56 is a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement in an LEDlighting apparatus of Thirteenth Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement of aconventional LED element substrate.

FIG. 58 is a perspective view illustrating another arrangement of theconventional LED element substrate.

FIG. 59 is a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of aconventional LED lighting apparatus.

FIG. 60 is a cross sectional view illustrating another arrangement ofthe conventional LED lighting apparatus.

FIG. 61 is a cross sectional view illustrating a conventional LCDbacklight module.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional light-emittingapparatus.

FIG. 63 is a cross sectional view illustrating the conventionallight-emitting apparatus.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view illustration of another conventionallight-emitting apparatus.

FIG. 65 is a cross sectional view illustrating the conventionallight-emitting apparatus shown in FIG. 64.

FIG. 66 is a cross sectional view illustrating optical paths of thelight emitted from the light-emitting device of the conventionallight-emitting apparatus.

FIG. 67 is a cross sectional view illustrating optical paths of thelight emitted from a light-emitting device of the conventionallight-emitting apparatus shown in FIG. 64.

FIG. 68 is a cross sectional view illustrating how the light emittingapparatus shown in FIG. 62 is mounted on the connecting substrate andhow the radiator device is mounted.

FIG. 69 is a cross sectional view illustrating how the light emittingapparatus shown in FIG. 64 is mounted on the connecting substrate andhow the radiator device is mounted.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description deals with respective embodiments inaccordance with the present invention with reference to FIG. 1 throughFIG. 56.

First Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, alight-emitting apparatus in accordancewith the present invention includes a plurality of light-emittingdevices, for example three light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 in alight-emitting apparatus package of ceramic substrate type in accordancewith the present invention. The light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9, areexemplified by rectangular-shaped LED and semiconductor laser.

The light-emitting apparatus package includes (i) a ceramic substrate 10having electric insulation and good thermal conduction, (ii) a firstconcave section 10 e formed by hollowing out the ceramic substrate 10 inits thickness direction such that a light exit aperture is provided,(iii) a second concave section 10 d formed by further hollowing out thefirst concave section 10 e in the thickness direction such that thelight-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 are provided therein, and (iv) wiringpatterns 11 a, provided in the first concave section 10 e, for supplyingelectric power to the respective light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9. Inother words, the wiring pattern 11 a is provided on an upper surface(first surface; light-emitting surface) of the ceramic substrate 10,i.e., on a side of a surface on which the light-emitting devices 3, 8,and 9 are provided.

The light-emitting apparatus package includes a metallized layer 12 thatprovided on an inside-concave-section surface of the ceramic substratein such a manner that the area for mounting the light-emitting device issandwiched between the metalized layer and the light exit aperture, andin such a manner that the metalized layer is electrically insulated fromthe wiring pattern, the metalized layer having a light reflectiveproperty. The light exit aperture corresponds to an opening section ofthe first concave section 10 e of the ceramic substrate 10.

In the following description, the above light-emitting apparatus packageis described based on the steps of manufacturing the package. As shownin FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the ceramic substrate 10, which is molded so as tohave a shape of substantially a rectangle, includes multiple layers—forexample, three layers—of ceramic substrates 10 a, 10 b, 10 c which aretightly layered one another in the thickness direction. The ceramicsubstrates 10 a, 10 b and 10 c are made of a material such as siliconcarbide (SiC), alumina (Al₂O₃), or aluminum nitride (AlN) that iselectrical insulator and has a good thermal conduction. Of thosematerials, AlN is preferably used because AlN is easily molded.

The word “electrical insulator” means a resistance (RT) of not less than10¹⁰ (Ω·cm), more preferably, a resistance (RT) of not less than 10¹²(Ω·cm). The word “good thermal conduction” means a thermal conductivityof not less than 18 (W/m·k), more efficiently, a thermal conductivity ofnot less than 60 (W/m·k), and most preferably, a thermal conductivity ofnot less than 140 (W/m·k).

In order to fabricate the ceramic substrates 10 a, 10 b and 10 c, aceramic material is filled in a predetermined mold, is formed by the hotpress molding, and then is sintered. The similar material andfabrication process to those of the ceramic substrates 10 a, 10 b, and10 c are used to obtain the other ceramic substrates described below.Note that the ceramic substrate 10 has a structure of multiple layers,however, the ceramic substrate 10 may have a structure of a singlelayer.

In the middle of the ceramic substrate 10 b, a taper-shaped firstthrough-hole is formed so as to penetrate the ceramic substrate 10 b inthe thickness direction. The diameter of the first through-hole (thewidth in a surface direction of the ceramic substrate 10) is narrowertoward the substrate 10 a from the substrate 10 c. A wall of the firstthrough-hole and a part of the surface of the ceramic substrate 10 aconstitute the foregoing second concave section 10 d, the part of thesurface being a bottom surface of the second concave section 10 d. Sincethe frustum of circular cone shape is easily formed and has highlight-reflectivity as described below, the second concave section 10 dpreferably has a shape of frustum of circular cone—for example,conical-cone-shaped and cup-shaped—which allows the light to easilyreflect toward the light exit aperture of the concave section.

In the middle of the ceramic substrate 10 c, a taper-shaped secondthrough-hole is formed so as to penetrate the ceramic substrate 10 c inthe thickness direction. The diameter of the through-hole is broadertoward the substrate 10 c from the substrate 10 b. A wall of the firstthrough-hole and a part of the surface of the ceramic substrate 10 bconstitute the foregoing first concave section 10 e, the part of thesurface being a bottom surface of the first concave section 10 e.Therefore, the second concave section is further formed at the bottomsurface of the first concave section 10 e.

It is preferable that the axes of symmetry of the first concave 10 e andthe second concave 10 d are positioned so as to be coaxial. The axes ofsymmetry are in the thickness direction of the ceramic substrate 10 band 10 c respectively. It is also preferable that the first concavesection 10 e has a shape of frustum of pyramid. This is because wiringpatterns 11 a are easily provided and a wiring process is also easilycarried out.

The wiring patterns 11 a are provided to supply electricity to thelight-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 on a peripheral surface of theceramic substrate 10 b, the peripheral surface being the bottom surfaceof the first concave section 10 e. Each of the wiring patterns 11 aextends to an area where the wiring pattern 11 a exposes on the bottomsurface of the first concave section 10 e from a peripheral edge of theceramic substrate 10 b. Note that the wiring patterns 11 a are formednot to reach the aperture section of the second concave section 10 d. Inother words, the wiring pattern 11 a can extend up to such an area asnot to reach the aperture section of the second concave section 10 d.

Terminal patterns 11 b, which are used for external connecting, areelectrically connected to respective corresponding wiring patterns 11 a.The terminal patterns 11 b are provided to extend (i) to the uppersurface (the surface having the light exit aperture) of the ceramicsubstrate 10 c, (ii) to an end face of the ceramic 10 c that isconnected to the upper surface, and (iii) to an end face of the ceramicsubstrate 10 b that is connected to the end face of the ceramic 10 c.

With this arrangement, via the terminal patterns 11 b and the wiringpatterns 11 a, the power source can be supplied to the light-emittingdevices 3, 8, and 9, respectively. Further, it is possible to carry outthe external connecting via the terminal patterns 11 b provided on theupper surface of the ceramic substrate 10 c. On this account, even incases where a radiator (heat discharging member) is provided on a sideof the ceramic substrate 10 a, i.e., on a back opposite surface side ofthe light exit aperture, it is possible to improve the radiationefficiency of the radiator without a conventional connecting substratebetween the radiator and the ceramic substrate 10 a unlike theconventional arrangement shown in FIGS. 39(a) and 39(b) and FIG. 40.

Furthermore, in the light-emitting apparatus package, the metalized(metal) layer 12 (i) of which the heat conduction is better (larger)than that of the respective ceramic substrates 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c isprovided so as to partially constitute the second concave section 10 d,and (ii) on which the respective light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 areprovided. The metalized layer 12 can be made of any material having highlight reflectivity and good heat-conductance, and is exemplified by suchas a silver (Ag) plating.

The metalized layer 12 preferably has such a light reflectivity thatreflects 50%—more preferably 70%—of the incident light. In the presentembodiments, it is preferable that the metalized layer 12 is provided onsubstantially the entire surface of the second concave section 10 d.

The metalized layer 12 may be provided in such a hem manner, in such aflange manner, or in such a radial manner as to extend outward on aninner surface of the first concave section 10 e, provided that themetalized layer 12 is spaced away from the respective wiring patterns 11a and is maintained to be electrically insulated from the wiringpatterns 11 a. Note that the other metalized layers (later described)may be similar to the metalized layer 12 when a material or amanufacturing method thereof is not specified.

In a light-emitting apparatus of the present invention in which theforegoing light-emitting apparatus package is used, as shown in the FIG.5 and FIG. 6, the light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 are firmly adheredby a conductive adhesive agent (not shown) to the metalized layer 12 ofthe second concave section 10 d. The conductive adhesive agent has goodheat-conduction and good electric conduction.

Here, the light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 are provided so that therespective light irradiated from the light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9are directed to the ceramic substrate 10 b from the substrate 10 a alongthe thickness direction of the substrates 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, i.e., to thelight exit aperture of the light-emitting apparatus package. Namely, therespective lights are directed toward an opening from which therespective lights are emitted out.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, power supplying electrodes forthe light-emitting devices 3, 8 and 9 are provided on a surface otherthan the surface on which the light-emitting devices 3, 8 and 9 arefixed. Preferably, the electrodes for the light-emitting devices 3, 8,and 9 are provided on a same surface as a light-emitting surface fromwhich the respective lights are emitted out.

In the light-emitting apparatus, each electrode for the light-emittingdevices 3, 8 and 9 is connected to its corresponding wiring pattern 11 avia a gold (Au) wire 4. Instead of gold, silver or copper or aluminum ormetal alloying of gold and any one of the above-mentioned metals may beused.

Therefore, the light-emitting devices 3, 8 and 9 are provided on asurface that is different from the surface where the wiring patterns 11a are provided. In other words, the light-emitting devices 8 and 9 areprovided on the bottom surface of the second concave section 10 d, thebottom surface being provided under the surface on which the wiringpatterns 11 a are formed.

Furthermore, in the second concave section 10 d and in the first concavesection 10 a, a transparent resin section 14, having excellenttranslucency and made of such as an acrylic resin, is filled such thatthe top surface of the transparent resin section 14 and the top surface(upper surface) of the ceramic substrate 10 c are coincident with eachother.

According to the light-emitting apparatus includes (i) the ceramicsubstrates 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c having goodheat-conduction,—particularly the ceramic substrates 10 a and 10 b—and(ii) the metalized layer 12. On this account, even when thelight-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 generate the heat during theiremitting, the heat thus generated can be radiated quickly via themetalized layer 12 and the ceramic substrates 10 a and 10 b,respectively. This ensures to suppress the instability of thelight-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 caused by the temperature-increase.

Further, the metalized layer 12 has the light reflectivity. On thisaccount, even when (i) the ceramic substrates 10 a and 10 b are so thinthat light passes through the ceramic substrates 10 a and 10 b, and (ii)the respective light irradiated from the part of the light-emittingdevices 3, 8, and 9 is reflected at the surface of the transparent resinsection 14, and is directed to the ceramic substrates 10 a and 10 b asthe respective stray light, the metalized layer 12 reflects therespective stray light in the direction along with the light radiationof the light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9. This ensures to improve theutilization efficiency of the light.

Second Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 5, the respective light 13 irradiated from thelight-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 may be reflected at the top surfaceof the transparent resin section 14 which seals the light-emittingdevices 3, 8, 9 and the Au wires 4. The light thus reflected becomes thestray light directing to unintended directions.

In order to prevent the stray light, in the second embodiment of thepresent invention, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, another metalizedlayer 15 having light reflectivity and heat-conduction is provided inaddition to the metalized layer 12, under the layer where the wiringpatterns 11 a, to which the Au wires 4 are respectively connected, areprovided. In other words, the metalized layer 15 is provided so as toextend from the end of the metalized layer 12 to such an area as to facethe wiring patterns 11 a in the thickness direction.

The metalized layer 15 may be arranged so as to reach a peripheral edgepart of the substrate 10 b other than a peripheral edge part of thesubstrate 10 b on which the respective wiring patterns 11 a expose, andso as to expose at the above peripheral edge part. Alternatively, themetalized layer 15 may be arranged so as to extend to and reach a wallof the ceramic substrate 10 c other than a wall of the ceramic substrate10 c which makes contact with the respective wiring patterns 11 a.

In order to maintain electric insulation in the metalized layer 15against the wiring pattern 11 a, a ceramic substrate 10 f is provided asan insulating layer between the metalized layer 15 and the wiringpatterns 11 a.

In First and Second Embodiments, the terminal patterns 11 b are providedso as to bridge the end face of the ceramic substrate 10 b and the outerperipheral part of the ceramic substrate 10 c. However, as shown in theFIG. 9 and FIG. 10, instead of the terminal patterns 11 b, terminalpatterns 16 may be provided so as to bridge between the end faces of theceramic substrates 10 f and 10 b and the outer peripheral part of theceramic substrate 10 a.

In Second Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the light 13 thathas been reflected at the surface of the transparent resin section 14directs toward and into the ceramic substrates 10 a and 10 b isreflected again by the metalized layer 15, which also serves as areflective layer, so as to direct to the light exit aperture. On thisaccount, it is possible to further improve the utilization efficiency ofthe light.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 shows a modified example of the Second Embodimentwhich is characterized in that the metalized layer is provided so as toextend to such an area as to face the wiring patterns 11 a in thethickness direction. According to the modified example, a metalizedlayer 17 is provided so as to extend between the ceramic substrates 10 aand 10 b. The metalized layer 17 is provided on the surface where thelight-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 are respectively provided. In thearrangement, the metalized layer 17 serves as a light-reflective layerand a heat-conduction layer.

In this modified example, the light may be attenuated to some extentbecause the passing distance in the ceramic substrates between thelight-reflective layer and light exit aperture becomes longer than thearrangement shown in FIG. 9. However, the number of the layers used inthe modified example is less than that in the arrangement shown in FIG.9. Therefore, the modified embodiment is more cost-effective.

Third Embodiment

In Third Embodiment, a light-emitting apparatus package in accordancewith the present invention, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, in additionto the arrangement of the First Embodiment, a reflective section 18,which reflects the incident light, is formed by printing on an areaother than the area where the wiring patterns 11 a are provided on theinternal surface of the first concave section 10 e on which Au wires areprovided.

In the Third Embodiment, because the reflective section 18 reflects theincident light to the area other than the area where the wiring patterns11 a are provided, it is possible to suppress the light directing to anarea other than the light exit aperture. This ensures to improve theutilization efficiency of the light. The Third Embodiment may becombined with the First Embodiment, the Second Embodiment or otherembodiments described below. This ensures to improve the utilizationefficiency of the light.

Fourth Embodiment

In Fourth Embodiment, a light-emitting apparatus package in accordancewith the present invention, as shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, in additionto the arrangement of the First Embodiment, a dam section 19 is providedby printing in a protruding manner on the first concave section 10 e,where the Au wires are provided, in the thickness direction of theceramic substrate 10 b so as to surround the periphery of the opening ofthe second concave section 10 d. The dam section 19 is provided forpreventing a resin from leaking into unintended areas when the resin isprovided on the flat area of the surface of the ceramic substrate 10 b.The dam section 19 serves as effective as a silicon dam.

In a light-emitting apparatus which adopts the light-emitting apparatuspackage of the Fourth Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, (i)the light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 are provided, (ii) the electrodesfor the light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 are connected to the wiringpatterns 11 a, respectively, via Au wires 4, and then (iii), in thefirst concave section 10 e, a light-reflective member such as a whiteresin 20 is molded outside the dam section 19, i.e., outside the areawhere the light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 are provided.

In this case, the white resin 20 is preferably provided (i) on thesurface where the wiring patterns 11 a are provided and (ii) on the sidesurface of the first concave section 10 e. Around the area where thelight-emitting devices 3, 8 and 9, the transparent resin section 14 isfilled for the sealing.

On this account, in the Fourth Embodiment, because the white resin 20 isprovided correctly and stably under the favor of the dam section 19, itis possible to suppress the light directing to an area other than thelight exit aperture. This ensures to improve the utilization efficiencyof the light. The Fourth Embodiment may be combined with the FirstEmbodiment, the Second Embodiment, the Third Embodiment, or otherembodiments described below. This ensures to improve the utilizationefficiency of the light.

Fifth Embodiment

The following description deals with a light-emitting apparatus packagehaving an additional function as Fifth Embodiment of the presentinvention. Some light-emitting devices have static with stand voltagethat is not high. When such light-emitting devices are used, capacitorelements 22 such as ceramic capacitors may be additionally connected inparallel to the light-emitting devices 3, 8 and 9 in order to stabilizethe function of the light-emitting devices. The capacitor elements 22serve as protective devices, respectively. The light-emitting apparatuswhich adopts the light-emitting apparatus package is shown in FIG. 22through FIG. 24.

In the light-emitting apparatus package, the ceramic substrates of theSecond Embodiment shown in FIG. 7 are used as its basis. As shown inFIG. 22 and FIG. 24, an area where capacitor elements 22 are provided ison a side of the area where the substrate 10 a is provided, the sidebeing opposite to the surface where the light-emitting devices areprovided. Note that, in Fifth Embodiments, explanations about membershaving the same functions as the members shown in the First throughFourth Embodiments are omitted here. However, the same referencenumerals are put for the members in the figures.

Specifically, an electrically insulated ceramic substrate 10 g isprovided between the ceramic substrate 10 a and the ceramic substrate 10b. The ceramic substrate 10 g is thinner than each of the ceramicsubstrates 10 a and 10 b. Also third through-hole(s) whose number iscoincident with the number of the capacitor elements 22 are provided inthe direction of thickness of the ceramic substrate 10 a. Accordingly,in the light-emitting apparatus package, the ceramic substrate 10 g andthe third through-hole (s) form a third concave section 21. The thirdconcave section 21 is the area where the capacitor elements 22 aremounted.

Between the ceramic substrate 10 g and the ceramic substrate 10 a,wiring patterns 11 c are formed for connecting the capacitor elements22. The wiring patterns 11 c are connected to the terminal patterns 11 brespectively corresponding to the light-emitting devices 3, 8 and 9which are connected in parallel to the capacitor elements 22.

In the light-emitting apparatus which adopts such a light-emittingapparatus package, as shown in FIG. 22 through FIG. 24, within the thirdconcave sections 21, the capacitor elements 22 are electricallyconnected and fixed to the respective wiring patterns 11 c with the useof a conductive adhesive agent 24.

Thus, because the light-emitting apparatus includes the wiring patterns11 c, and the capacitor elements 22 within the third concave sections21, the function of the light-emitting devices are stabilized withoutenlarging the size of the light-emitting apparatus.

Of course, when there is enough space for the third concave sections 21,it is no problem to provide the third concave sections 21 on a samesurface as the light emitting surface, and to provide the capacitorelements 22 within the third concave sections 21. In the arrangement ofFifth Embodiment, two capacitor elements 22 are provided, however, thepresent invention is not limited to this, i.e., alternatively, onecapacitor element 22 or three capacitor elements 22 can be provided.

Sixth Embodiment

In the foregoing embodiments, the electrodes for the light-emittingdevices 3, 8, and 9 are electrically connected to the wiring patterns 11a via the two Au wires 4, respectively, while the two electrodes for therespective light-emitting devices 3, 8, and 9 are provided on a singlesurface. However, needless to say, a similar light-emitting apparatus tothe foregoing embodiments can be realized even when the package uses thelight-emitting devices having one of the electrodes on the singlesurface, the other electrode on the opposite surface to the singlesurface, the electrode on the single surface being connected the wiringpatterns 11 a via a single Au wire.

Thereinafter, an example of this kind of light-emitting apparatus isexplained as Sixth Embodiment. As shown in FIG. 27, in thelight-emitting apparatus package of the light-emitting apparatus, wiringpatterns 11 e to be connected to Au wires 4 are formed on a surface onwhich light-emitting devices 23 are mounted. In this arrangement, aceramic substrate 10 h (insulating layer) is inserted under the surfacewhere the light-emitting devices 23 are mounted. Under the ceramicsubstrate 10 h, a metalized layer 26 is formed in order to reflectlight. Note that, when the light-emitting devices 23 to which theelectric connecting is carried out with a single Au wire 4, onelight-emitting device 23 needs to be electrically insulated from theother light-emitting device 23. Therefore, the metalized layer 26 isprovided, as a light-reflective layer, under the ceramic substrate 10 h.

The thickness of the ceramic substrate 10 h is preferably as thin aspossible, provided that the electrical insulation of the ceramicsubstrate 10 h can be maintained. This allows the metalized layer 26 tobe close to the light-emitting devices 23. On this account, it ispossible for the ceramic substrate 10 h to realize good thermalconduction like the foregoing embodiments.

Furthermore, provided upon the ceramic substrate 10 h are (i) wiringpatterns 11 d for fixing the light-emitting devices 23 while the wiringpatterns 11 d are connected to the electrodes of the light-emittingdevices 23, via a conductive adhesive agent, on the surface wherelight-emitting devices 23 are mounted, and (ii) wiring patterns 11 ewhich are connected to the Au wires 4 from the light-emitting devices23, respectively. The wiring patterns 11 d and 11 e are electricallyconnected to the corresponding terminal patterns 11 d, respectively.

Incidentally, in order to improve the utilization efficiency of thelight, it is preferable to provide a metalized layer 25, which has asimilar light-reflectivity to the metalized layer 12, on the internalsurface of the second concave section 10 d and the internal surface ofthe first concave section 10 e.

When the metalized layer 25 is provided, it is preferable that a ceramic10 i is provided by laminating (i) between the metalized layer 25 andthe wiring patterns 11 d, and (ii) between the metalized layer 25 andthe wiring patterns 11 e. This is because the electric insulation shouldbe kept between the wiring patterns 11 d and 11 e.

Preferably, in order to assure the electric insulation, the ceramicsubstrate 10 i is formed along the bottom surface of the second concavesection 10 d so as to project toward the center of the second concavesection 10 d.

As shown in FIG. 28, according to a modified example of the presentSixth Embodiment, wiring patterns 11 a, to which respective Au wires 4are connected, are provided on a surface that is different from asurface where light-emitting devices 23 are provided. A metalized layer27, which serves as a light-reflective layer, is provided under thesurface where the light-emitting devices 23 are provided as in the SixthEmbodiment. However, in the modified example, because the Au wires 4 areconnected on the surface that is different from the surface wherelight-emitting devices 23 are provided, the cup-shaped second concavesection 10 d can be smaller. This allows the luminous efficiency to befurther improved.

In the foregoing embodiments, the light-emitting apparatus has aninternal wiring in which a single common line is provided as a wholelight-emitting device irrespective of the number of the light-emittingdevices. However, as shown in FIG. 29, in a certain light-emittingapparatus including a plurality of light-emitting devices 43, acommon-anode connection or a common-cathode connection is made.

FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 show arrangements in which the light-emittingdevices 43 are applied to the present invention. In the figures, thecommon-anode connection is adopted, but the common-cathode connectionmay be adopted as well. In this arrangement, the common-cathodeconnection may be realized by connecting a metalized layer 30, having acupped-shaped to terminal patterns 11 b via wiring patterns 11 e.

Thereinafter, an example of an electric apparatus including thelight-emitting device described in the foregoing embodiments isexplained with reference to the Second Embodiment. In the electricapparatus, as shown in FIG. 32, by attaching to the light-emittingapparatus package of the Second Embodiment the light-emitting apparatusin which the light-emitting devices 8 and 9 are provided and connectedto the electrodes by the Au wires 4 and then the sealing is carried outby the transparent resin section 14 with respect to the first and thesecond concave sections. In the attaching, (i) an adjustment is carriedout such that the light exit aperture of the light-emitting apparatuscorresponds to a light-emitting window of a wiring substrate 34, and(ii) the package is electrically connected to the light-emitting devicevia a conductive adhesive agent 31. A radiator apparatus 33 is furtherattached to the ceramic substrate 10 a.

In the electric apparatus, in order to prevent a short due to contact tothe radiator apparatus 33 which is made of a metal such as aluminum, noelectric wiring pattern is provided on a surface which makes contactwith the radiator apparatus 33. In order to make up for this, theelectric connection is made on a side of the light-emitting surface. Awiring substrate 34 onto which the light-emitting apparatus is mountedincludes a light-emitting window that is provided so as not to block theemitted light.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve theradiation property by directly conveying to the radiator apparatus 33the heat generated by the light-emitting devices 8 and 9 via themetalized layer 12, the ceramic substrate 10 a, and the ceramicsubstrate 10 b that respectively have high heat conductivity, without aconventional resin substrate. On this account, it is possible (i) tocarry out a large current driving in the electric apparatus, (ii) torealize the improvement in the luminosity, and (iii) to reduce the heatstress on the light-emitting devices 8 and 9 such as LED chip, therebyresulting in that the reliability is improved as well.

Note that, in the light-emitting devices used in the foregoingembodiments, the light-emitting device 3, for example, is designed suchthat the light-emitting direction is in the thickness direction of theceramic substrate, i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the surfacedirection of the ceramic substrate 10. However, the light-emittingdirection may be parallel to the surface direction of the ceramicsubstrate 10.

In this case, a metalized layer which serves as a light-reflective layershould be provided on the internal surface that inclines with respect tothe surface direction of the second concave section 10 d as shown inFIG. 3. Alternatively, a reflective projection section which reflectsthe incident light toward the light exit aperture may be separatelyprovided.

Furthermore, when the metalized layer is provided as a light-reflectivelayer, the inner side surface of the second concave section 10 d canhave mirror-hollows corresponding to the angle at which light emittedfrom the light-emitting devices is irradiated. On this account, it ispossible to control the light angle so as to suppress the lightreflection in a boundary face of such as the transparent resin section14, thereby further improving the utilization efficiency of the light.

In order to solve the aforementioned problems, a light-emittingapparatus package is so arranged as to include: a ceramic substratehaving an electric insulating property and a good heat conductivity; afirst concave section recessed in a thickness direction of the ceramicsubstrate, the first concave section providing a light exist aperture ona top surface of the ceramic substrate; a second concave section,provided in the first concave section, and further recessed in thethickness direction of the ceramic substrate, the second concave sectionfor providing an area for mounting a light-emitting device; a wiringpattern provided in at least one of the first concave section and thesecond concave section, the wiring pattern for supplying electricity tothe light-emitting device; and a metalized layer, provided on aninside-concave-section surface of the ceramic substrate in such a mannerthat the area for mounting the light-emitting device is sandwichedbetween the metalized layer and the light exit aperture, and in such amanner that the metalized layer is electrically insulated from thewiring pattern, the metalized layer having a light reflective property.

According to the arrangement, because the first concave section and thesecond concave section are provided, it is possible to attain downsizingby providing the light-emitting device, the wiring pattern, and theconnection therebetween within the first concave section and the secondconcave section, and to attain that the lighting-emitting device and thewiring pattern are connected surely. Moreover, because the metalizedlayer is made of a metal, the metalized layer has a better heatconductivity than the ceramic substrate.

Further, according to the arrangement in which the metalized layerconstituted of a layer on which silver is gilded or the like layer isprovided between the light-emitting device and the surface of the secondconcave section of the substrate, heat generated when the light-emittingdevice emits light can be efficiently discharged to outside via themetalized layer and the ceramic substrate. On the account of this, thelight-emitting device can stably emit light.

Furthermore, according to the arrangement in which the metalized layeris provided between the light-emitting device and the surface of thesecond concave section of the substrate, even though light emitted fromthe light-emitting device is reflected to the opposite direction to thelight exit aperture—in other words, the light becomes stray light—, themetalized layer reflects the stray light toward the light exit aperture,thereby improving efficiency in utilizing the light emitted from thelight-emitting device.

The light-emitting apparatus package may be so arranged as to furtherinclude: an insulating layer under the wiring patterns, the insulatinglayer being sandwiched between the metalized layer and the wiringpatterns.

According to the arrangement in which the insulating layer is sandwichedbetween the metalized layer and the wiring patterns, it is possible toreflect the stray light with higher efficiency, thereby improvingefficiency in utilizing the light.

The light-emitting apparatus package may be preferably arranged suchthat the metalized layer is exposed within the second concave section.

According to the arrangement, because the metalized layer is exposed inthe second concave section, the distance between the light-emittingelements and the metalized layer becomes closer. On the account of this,heat is effectively discharged and light is sufficiently reflected.

In the light-emitting apparatus package, it is preferable that theceramic substrate contains aluminum nitride. According to thearrangement, in which the ceramic substrate contains aluminum nitride soas to have excellent heat conductivity and molding property, it ispossible to product the light-emitting apparatus package more surely andeasily.

The light-emitting apparatus package may be so arranged that themetalized layer functions as a part of a wiring pattern. With thisarrangement, the metalized layer functions as a part of the wiringpattern, so that the metalized layer is electrically connected with thelight-emitting device. Thus, it is possible to position the metalizedlayer in a vicinity of the light-emitting device, thereby attainingbetter heat discharge and light reflection.

The light-emitting apparatus package may be so arranged as to furtherinclude a printed reflective section provided in that part of theinside-concave-section surface in which the metalized layer and thewiring pattern are not formed, the printed reflective section forreflecting light.

With this arrangement in which the printed reflective section isprovided, it becomes possible to attain a higher reflection efficiencyof the stray light. Thus, it is possible to further improve theefficiency in utilizing the light.

The light-emitting apparatus package may be so arranged as to furtherinclude a dam-for-resin section provided along a periphery of anaperture of the second concave section.

With the arrangement in which a dam-for-resin section is provided alongthe periphery of the aperture of the second concave section, it ispossible to provide a white resin film between the aperture of thesecond concave section and that of the first concave section, the resinfilm being light reflective. Therefore, it becomes possible to attain ahigher reflection efficiency of the stray light. Thus, it is possible tofurther improve the efficiency (luminous efficiency) in utilizing thelight.

The light-emitting apparatus package may be so arranged as to furtherinclude a third concave section on a bottom surface of the ceramicsubstrate, the third concave section for mounting a chip component (suchas a capacitor and the like) for stabilizing operation of thelight-emitting device.

With the arrangement in which the third concave section is provided, thesize of the light-emitting apparatus package does not become bigger eventhough the chip components such as condensers are provided within thethird concave section so that the light-emitting elements functionstably. Thus, it is possible to avoid upsizing.

In order to solve the aforementioned problem, a lighting apparatus ofthe present invention is so arranged as to include a light-emittingdevice, provided in the second concave section, the light-emittingdevice having an electrode on that part of the inside-concave-sectionsurface in which no light-emitting device is provided; a wire forelectrically connecting the wiring pattern and the electrode of thelight-emitting device; and a transparent resin section for sealing thelight-emitting device and the wire, the transparent resin having lighttransmitting property.

According to the arrangement, by using any one of the foregoinglight-emitting apparatus packages, the heat generated from thelight-emitting elements is radiated efficiently to the outside via themetalized layer and the ceramic substrate. On the account of this, thelight-emitting elements can function stably.

Furthermore, in the arrangement, the metalized layer, which is lightreflective, is provided in the position opposite to the light exitingaperture. The place for mounting the light-emitting device is positionedbetween the metalized layer and the light exiting aperture. Even if thelight from the light-emitting device strays, on the boundary surface ofthe transparent resin section, in an opposite direction to the lightexiting aperture, the arrangement makes it possible to emit the straylight from the light-exiting aperture by reflecting the stray light byusing the metalized layer. Thus, it is possible to further improve theefficiency (luminous efficiency) in utilizing the light.

The lighting apparatus may be so arranged such that the metalized layerfunctioning as a part of a wiring pattern; a light-emitting device isprovided in the second concave section, having an electrode in an areain which the light-emitting device is provided, and an electrode in anarea in which no light-emitting device is provided; a conductiveadhesive section is provided, the conductive adhesive section being forconnecting (a) the electrode in the area in which the light-emittingdevice is provided, and (b) the metalized layer, and for fixedly holdingthe light-emitting device on the metalized layer; a wire is provided,the wire being for electrically connecting (a) the wiring pattern and(b) the electrode in the area in which no light emitting pattern isprovided; a resin section is provided on that part of an inside-surfaceof the first concave section which is between a dam-for-resin sectionand an inner wall surface of the first concave section, the resinsection having a light reflecting property; and a transparent resinsection is provided, the transparent resin section for sealing thelight-emitting device and the wire, the transparent resin having lighttransmitting property.

The light-emitting apparatus may be so arranged as to include alight-emitting device, provided in the second concave section, having anelectrode in an area in which the light-emitting device is provided, andan electrode in an area in which no light-emitting device is provided; awire for electrically connecting (a) the wiring pattern and (b) theelectrode in the area in which no light emitting pattern is provided; aresin section, provided on that part of an inside-surface of the firstconcave section which is between a dam-for-resin section and an innerwall surface of the first concave section, the resin section having alight reflecting property; a transparent resin section for sealing thelight-emitting device and the wire, the transparent resin having lighttransmitting property.

The light-emitting apparatus may be so arranged as to include alight-emitting device, provided in the second concave section, havingtwo electrodes in an area in which the light-emitting device isprovided, and an electrode in an area in which no light-emitting deviceis provided; a wire for electrically connecting (a) the wiring patternand (b) the electrodes in the area in which no light emitting pattern isprovided; a resin section, provided on that part of an inside-surface ofthe first concave section which is between a dam-for-resin section andan inner wall surface of the first concave section, the resin sectionhaving a light reflecting property; a transparent resin section forsealing the light-emitting device and the wire, the transparent resinhaving light transmitting property; and a chip component provided withinthe third concave section.

The following Seventh through Thirteenth Embodiments of the presentinvention deal with (i) a lighting apparatus (another light-emittingapparatus), (ii) a backlight apparatus in which the lighting apparatusis used, and (iii) a display apparatus in which the backlight apparatusis used with reference to the figures. The following Embodiments dealwith (i) an LED lighting apparatus to which the lighting apparatus isapplied, (ii) an LED backlight apparatus in which the LED lightingapparatus is used, and (iii) a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus inwhich the LED backlight apparatus is used.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view showing an arrangement of an LEDlighting apparatus in accordance with Seventh Embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 33, an LED lighting apparatus 101 includes (i) aplurality of LED element substrates 102 (a plurality of substrates eachequipped with light-emitting devices) which are provided in a singleline or a plurality of lines at predetermined intervals, (ii) aconnecting substrate 103 which is provided on the LED element substrate102, (iii) a radiator device 104 (a radiator member; a heat-dischargingmember) such as a heatsink provided under a bottom surface of the LEDelement substrate 102. “On the LED element substrate 102” means an areawhere an optical path exists in response to the irradiation of the LED.“Under the bottom surface of the LED element substrate 102” means anarea that is opposed to the area where the optical path exists.

The LED element substrate 102 includes (i) a ceramic substrate 121 whichserves as a substrate equipped with the light-emitting devices, (ii) LEDchips 122, which are light-emitting diode chips that serves as thelight-emitting devices (light source), provided on the ceramic substrate121, and (iii) connecting wires 123 which connects between apredetermined position of wiring patterns (not shown) on the ceramicsubstrate 121 and electrodes of the LED chips 122. Therefore, the wiringpatterns are provided on a surface side of the ceramic substrate 121,i.e., on a side of a surface where the LED chips 122 are mounted.

The ceramic substrate 121 has good heat conduction like the ceramicsubstrate 10 described in the First Embodiment. The ceramic substrate121 includes a concave section provided in the center of the surface ofthe ceramic substrate 121. The concave section includes a deep concavesection 121 a and a shallow concave section 121 b that form a two-stagestructure. The deep concave section 121 a is provided at substantially acenter of the ceramic substrate 121. The shallow concave section 121 bis provided around the deep concave section 121 a.

The deep concave section 121 a includes a single or a plurality of LEDchips 122 whose light colors are different from each other. Each LEDchip 122 is provided such that its bottom surface makes contact with thebottom surface of the deep concave section 121 a. Each LED chip 122 isdie-bonded to a wiring pattern (not shown) provided in a predeterminedposition of the concave section 121 a. An electrode of each LED chip 122is wire-bonded to a wiring pattern (not shown) provided at apredetermined position of the shallow concave section 121 b.

In the connecting substrate 103, a window section 131 is provided so asto correspond to the concave section or the LED chip 122 in each ceramicsubstrate 121, the ceramic substrate 121 being located under theconnecting substrate 103. The window section 131 serves as a lighttransmittance section through which the light from the LED elementsubstrate 102 passes or transmits. Therefore, each window section 131 isa through-hole provided in the thickness direction of the connectingsubstrate 103. The window section 131 suppresses the broadening of thelight emitted from the LED chip 122. In the connecting substrate 103,(i) wiring patterns (not shown) for supplying the current to the LEDchip 122 and (ii) wiring patterns (not shown) provided on a top surfaceof the ceramic substrate 121 are connected to each other by a solder 132or the like.

The radiator device 104 has an upper surface with which the bottomsurface of the ceramic substrates 121 is combined, the bottom surfacehaving no conductive pattern. This allows the heat generated by the LEDchip 122 to be conveyed to the radiator device 104, only via an adhesiveagent and the ceramic substrate 121. The adhesive agent causes the LEDchips 122 to be die-bonded to the ceramic substrate 121.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the heat conductancedramatically improves, as compared to the conventional arrangement inwhich the resin substrate and the connecting substrate are providedbetween the radiator device 104 and the LED chip 122. This ensures toeffectively carry out the radiation.

Thereinafter, described is the detail about members of the LED lightingapparatus of the present Seventh Embodiment. Firstly, the detail aboutthe ceramic substrate 121 (the substrate equipped with thelight-emitting device(s)) is explained. FIG. 34 (a) is a plan viewshowing an arrangement of the ceramic substrate 121 shown in FIG. 33.FIG. 34 (b) is a side view, and FIG. 34(c) is a cross sectional view.

In FIG. 34 (a) through FIG. 34 (c), this ceramic substrate 121A includes(i) a deep concave section 121 a whose shape is like a cup and whoseplan shape is a circle, the LED 122 being provided in the center of thedeep concave section 121 a, and (ii) a shallow concave section 121 b,provided around the deep concave section 121 a, whose plan shape is arectangle.

The reason why the deep concave section 121 a is cup-shaped is toreflect onward or upward the very light emitted from the sides of theLED chip 122 such that the luminosity improves.

The reason why the shallow concave section 121 b is provided is (i) tosecure an area for the wire-bond of the LED chip 122, and (ii) to reducethe amount of resin when the sealing is carried out with respect to thesurrounding area of the shallow concave section 121 b. Furthermore, thedeep concave section 121 a includes wiring patterns for die-bonding theLED chip 122. The shallow concave section 121 b includes wiring patternsfor the wire-bonding.

Electrode wiring terminals 124, which connect the LED element substrate102 and the external members (the wiring patterns of the connectingsubstrate 103)—those of which are described in FIG. 33 —, are formed atboth ends on the top surface of the ceramic substrate 121 in thelongitudinal direction.

The electrode wiring terminals 124 do not extend to a land (not shown)for connecting the LED chip 122, but are provided so as to beindependent from the land for the LED chip 122. This ensures to preventthe solder from flowing toward the LED chip 122 when the LED lightingapparatus is soldered with the wiring patterns of the connectingsubstrate 103. The electrode wiring terminals 124 are electricallyconnected to the wiring pattern of the connecting substrate 103, forexample, via a side surface 124 a or the through-hole.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a state in which the LED chip 122is die-bonded and wire-bonded to the ceramic substrate 121 shown in FIG.34. In FIG. 35, the LED chip 122 is die-bonded to a predeterminedposition of the wiring patterns provided in the concave section 121 asuch that the bottom surface of the LED chip 122 is made contact withand is die-bonded to the bottom of the concave section 121 a. Theelectrode provided on the light-emitting surface of the LED chip 122 iswire-bonded in the predetermined position of the wiring pattern providedwithin the concave section 121 b via the connecting wire 123.

FIG. 36 (a) is a plan view showing another arrangement of the ceramicsubstrate 121 shown in FIG. 33. FIG. 36 (b) is a side view, and FIG. 36(c) is a cross sectional view. In FIG. 36 (a) through FIG. 36 (c), thisceramic substrate 121B is different from the ceramic substrate 121Ashown in FIG. 34 in that electrode wiring terminals 125 are furtherprovided in the concave section 121 b.

FIG. 37 (a) is a plan view showing still another arrangement of theceramic substrate 121 shown in FIG. 33. FIG. 36 (b) is a side view, andFIG. 36 (c) is a cross sectional view. In FIG. 37 (a) through FIG. 37(c), this ceramic substrate 121C is different from the ceramic substrate121A shown in FIG. 34 in that a concave section 121 c having a singlestage structure is provided. The concave section 121 c has a bottomsurface whose plan shape is an ellipse, and has an upper aperture whoseplan shape is a rectangle. In the concave section 121 c, land sections126 are provided separately from the electrode wiring terminals 124 on atop surface of the concave section 121 c.

The FIG. 38 (a) is a plan view showing yet another arrangement of theceramic substrate 121 shown in FIG. 33. FIG. 38(b) is a side view, andFIG. 38(c) is a cross sectional view. In FIG. 38 (a) through FIG. 38(c), this ceramic substrate 121D is different from the ceramic substrate121B shown in FIG. 36 in that a concave section 121 c having a singlestage structure is provided. The concave section 121 c has a bottomsurface whose plan shape is an ellipse, and has an upper aperture whoseplan shape is a rectangle. Each of electrode wiring terminals 124 isprovided so as to extend from its side part 124 a to a correspondingland section 127 in the concave section 121 c. Between the land section127 of the concave section 121 c and the electrode wiring terminal 124,an insulating member 128 such as a resist or a silicon dam is providedin order to prevent the solder from flowing into the area where the LEDchip 122 is provided.

Secondly, detail about the connecting substrate 103 is explained below.FIG. 39 (a) is a plan view showing an arrangement of the connectingsubstrate 103 shown in FIG. 33. FIG. 39 (b) is a plan view showinganother arrangement of the connecting substrate 103 shown in FIG. 33. InFIG. 39 (a) and FIG. 39 (b), a connecting substrate 103A and aconnecting substrate 103B may be a rigid substrate made of a glass epoxyresin or the like or may be a flexible substrate made of a polyimide orthe like.

In the respective connecting substrates 103A and 103B, provided is aplurality of window sections 131 a and 131 b which the light emittedfrom the LED element substrate 102 passes through or transmits, forexample, in a line at certain intervals.

The shape of the window section 131 may be set to be appropriate inaccordance with a light emitting state of an LED chip. The windowsection 131 may have a plan shape of such as circle (corresponding tothe shape shown in FIG. 39 (a)) or rectangle. The position of the windowsections 131 may be set as shown in FIG. 39 (a) such that circularwindow sections 131 a are provided on a center line in a longitudinaldirection of the ceramic substrate 103A. Alternatively, the position ofthe window sections 131 may be set as shown in FIG. 39 (b) such thatU-shaped window sections 131 b are provided, in the longitudinaldirection of the ceramic substrate 103B, on a line that is away from acenter line in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

In these connecting substrates 103A and 103B, a plurality of LED elementsubstrates 102 are provided in a line (or in a plurality of lines), andare electrically connected with the electrode wiring terminals 124 viathe soldering, respectively.

Here, detail about the radiator device 104 is explained below. FIG. 40is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement of the radiator deviceshown in FIG. 33. In FIG. 40, the radiator device 104A may include aheatsink, having a good heat-conduction, made of a material such asaluminum. In the ceramic substrate 121, the radiator device 104A isdirectly combined with a bottom surface of the ceramic substrate 121(for example, the radiator device 104A is bonded to the ceramicsubstrate 121 by an adhesive agent having a good heat conduction). Thebottom surface of the ceramic substrate 121 is placed on a side that isopposed to an LED element substrate 102 a. In this case, in the bottomsurface of substrate 121 (the surface in which the radiator device 104Ais placed), no conductive pattern is provided.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing another arrangement of theradiator device 104 shown in FIG. 33. In FIG. 41, a radiator device 104B(which may be different from the radiator device 104A) is directlycombined with each of a side surface (end face) of the ceramic substrate121 (for example, the radiator device 104B is bonded to the ceramicsubstrate 121 by an adhesive agent having a good heat conduction). Theside surfaces of the respective ceramic substrates 121 correspond tosuch surfaces that are combined with each other in a line by theradiator 104B. In this case, the side surface includes no conductivepattern. The arrangement shown in FIG. 41 is effective when it isrequired for an LED lighting apparatus to have a thickness that isthinner than the arrangement shown in FIG. 40.

Note that, in the Seventh Embodiment, the radiator device 104 iscombined with the bottom surface or the side surface of the LED elementsubstrate 102 which has the light-emitting devices. The presentinvention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the radiator device 104may be combined with both of the bottom surface and the side surface ofthe LED element substrate 102. This arrangement allows the radiationproperty to further improve.

FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view illustrating another arrangement of anLED lighting apparatus of the Seventh Embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention. In the example, the LED lighting apparatus has asingle concave section. In FIG. 42, an LED lighting apparatus 101Bincludes a single stage concave section 121 d at the center of a surfaceof a ceramic substrate 121F. The deep concave section 121 d includes asingle or a plurality of LED chips 122 whose light colors are differentfrom each other. Each LED chip 122 is provided such that its bottomsurface makes contact with a bottom surface of the deep concave section121 d. Each LED chip 122 is die-bonded on the predetermined position ofa wiring pattern (not shown).

Electrode in the light-emitting side of the light-emitting device formedin the deep concave section 121 d is connected by a wire 123 to a wiringpattern (not shown), provided around the concave section 121 d at apredetermined position, thereby constituting an LED element substrate102C.

At both end parts of the top surface of the LED element substrate 102C(the ceramic substrate 121F), electrode wiring terminals (not shown) areprovided. The electrode wiring terminals of the LED element substrate102C is connected to wiring patterns of a connecting substrate 103D at apredetermined position of by a solder or the like. Underneath theconnecting substrate 103D, a plurality of LED element substrates 102Care provided in a line (or in a plurality of lines). In the connectingsubstrate 103D, provided is a plurality of window sections 131 b, whichthe light emitted from the LED element substrate 102C passes through ortransmits, so as to respectively correspond to the LED elementsubstrates 102C.

In a bottom surface of the ceramic substrate 121F, no conductive patternis provided. However, a radiator device 104 such as a heatsink iscombined with the bottom surface of the ceramic substrate 121F.

Like the LED lighting apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 33, the LED lightingapparatus 101B allows the heat generated by the LED chip 122 to beconveyed to the radiator device 104, only via an adhesive agent and theceramic substrate 121F. The adhesive agent die-bonds the LED 122 to theceramic substrates 121F at its predetermined position. Therefore,according to the present embodiment, the heat conductance dramaticallyimproves, as compared to the conventional arrangement in which the resinsubstrate and the connecting substrate are provided between the radiatordevice 104 and the LED chip 122. This ensures to effectively carry outthe radiation.

Eighth Embodiment

The Seventh Embodiment deals with the lighting apparatuses 101 and 101Bin which, in order to improve both of the radiation efficiency and theefficiency of incident light, (i) the connecting substrate 103, the LEDelement substrate 102, and the radiator device 104 are provided in thisorder, (ii) the LED element substrate 102 includes a single stage ortwo-stage concave section, and (iii) in the concave section, the LEDchips 122 are die-bonded to wiring patterns at predetermined positions,respectively. Eighth Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 43, deals with alighting apparatus 101A. According to the lighting apparatus 101A, anLED element substrate 102 does not include concave sections. The LEDelement substrate 102 is a flat plate. On the flat surface of the LEDelement substrate 102, the LED chips 122 are die-bonded at predeterminedpositions, respectively.

FIG. 43 is a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of an LEDlighting apparatus of the Eighth Embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention. In this LED lighting apparatus 101A shown in FIG. 43,in a flat surface (an upper surface) of a ceramic substrate 121E, asingle or a plurality of LED chips 122 whose colors are different fromeach other are provided such that a bottom surface makes contact with aceramic substrate 121E, the bottom surface being opposed to a surfacefrom which the light irradiated from the LED chip is emitted out. TheLED chips are die-bonded to wiring patterns (not shown), atpredetermined positions, provided on the upper surface of the ceramicsubstrate 121E.

An LED element 102B is arranged such that electrodes provided on theside of the light-emitting surface of the LED chips 122 are wire-bonded,by connecting wires 123, to the predetermined positions of wiringpatterns (not shown) which are provided in the flattop surface of theceramic substrate 121E. The LED chips 122 and the connecting wires 123are molded by a resin 129.

(i) Wiring patterns (not shown) on the ceramic substrate 121E (on a sideof the light-emitting surface), and (ii) wiring patterns (not shown)provided on a surface of the connecting substrate 103 are combined witheach other at predetermined positions by the solder 132 or the like.

Underneath the connecting substrate 103, a plurality of LED elementsubstrates 102B are provided in a line (or in a plurality of lines). Inthe connecting substrate 103, a window section 131 is provided so as tocorrespond to each of the LED element substrates 102B. The windowsection 131 causes the light from the LED element substrate 102B to passthrough or to transmit.

No conductive pattern is provided in a bottom surface of the ceramicsubstrate 121E (a surface opposed to a surface from which the light fromthe LED element substrates 102B is gone out). A radiator device 104 iscombined with the bottom surface of the ceramic substrate 121E. Like theLED light installation 101 shown in FIG. 33, in the LED lightinstallation 101A, the arrangement allows the heat generated by the LEDchip 122 to be conveyed to the radiator device 104, only via an adhesiveagent and the ceramic substrates 121E. The adhesive agent causes the LEDchips 122 to be die-bonded to the ceramic substrate 121E.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the heat conductancedramatically improves, as compared to the conventional arrangement inwhich the resin substrate and the connecting substrate are providedbetween the radiator device 104 and the LED chip 122. This ensures toeffectively carry out the radiation.

The following description of Ninth Embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention deals with (i) an LCD backlight module (an LCDbacklight apparatus) in which the LED lighting apparatus 101 of theSeventh Embodiment or the LED lighting apparatus 101B of the SeventhEmbodiment or the LED lighting apparatus 101A of the Eighth Embodimentis used, and (ii) an LCD module (a LCD display apparatus) in which theLCD backlight module is used.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 44 is a plan view illustrating a LCD backlight module in accordancewith the Ninth Embodiment, and FIG. 45 is its cross sectional view, andFIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an LCD moduleadopting the LCD backlight module shown in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45.

In FIG. 44 through FIG. 46, an LCD backlight module 111 includes the LEDlighting apparatus 101 and a light guide plate 112. The light guideplate 112 (i) is provided for surface radiation, (ii) receives the lightemitted from the LED lighting apparatus 101 such that the light travelsin the light guide plate 112, and (iii) causes the light to go out froma surface side in a predetermined direction.

The LCD module, served as an LCD display apparatus, includes the LCDbacklight module 111, a case 105 which contains the LCD backlight module111, and an LCD panel 106 for image display. Note that, instead of theLED lighting apparatus 101, the above-mentioned LED lighting apparatus101A or the LED lighting apparatus 101B may be used.

The light guide plate 112 is arranged such that two end faces, throughwhich the light from the LED lighting apparatus 101 is entered, faceside end faces of the light guide plate 112. In this arrangement, it isassumed that the light is entered to the light guide plate 112 via thetwo end faces. However, the light may be entered to the light guideplate 112 via only one end face. The incident light on the side surface(light incidence side surface) of the light guide plate 112 from the LEDlighting apparatus 101 travels in the light guide plate 112, and thenemits out from a top surface uniformly.

The LCD backlight module 111 is contained in the case 105 with itsbottom surface (a surface opposed to the surface via which the isentered) made contact with the case 105. Above the upper surface fromwhich the light is gone out of the LCD backlight module 111, the LCDpanel 106 is provided.

The LCD panel 106 includes a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal(LC) layer provided between the substrates. When a voltage is applied tobetween the substrates, liquid crystal molecules change their alignmentstates in the respective pixels that are provided in a matrix manner,thereby carrying out the image display.

The voltage for displaying is supplied from an external connectionwiring that is connected to the LCD panel 106. When the light irradiatedfrom the LCD backlight module 111 is entered into the LCD panel 106, thelight passes through and is scattered because the liquid crystalmolecules differently align. This allows letters and figures that varydepending on the voltage for displaying to be displayed on an LCDscreen.

As described above, according to the Seventh Embodiment through theNinth Embodiment, the radiator device 104 has the upper surface withwhich the bottom surface of the ceramic substrates 121 is combined. Thisallows the heat generated by the LED chip 122 to be conveyed to theradiator device 104, only via the adhesive agent and the ceramicsubstrate 121. Therefore, the LED lighting apparatus can radiate theheat more efficiently than a conventional LED lighting apparatus.

Accordingly, in the LCD backlight apparatus driven by a large current,it is possible to fully carry out the radiation even when the heat valueincreases, thereby dramatically improving the reliability of the LCDbacklight apparatus.

Tenth Embodiment

In the arrangement of Tenth Embodiment of the present embodiments, lensmeans for preventing dispersion of light is provided in a window section131 of a connecting substrate 103. FIG. 47 is across sectional viewillustrating an arrangement of a major part of an LED lighting apparatusof the Tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 48 is aperspective view illustrating the arrangement of the LED lightingapparatus shown in FIG. 47.

In FIG. 47 and FIG. 48, an LED lighting apparatus 101C includes a lensfunction element 133 that serves as a lens means in the window section131 which is provided in a connecting substrate 103E. The lens functionelement 133 receives the radial light from an LED element substrate102C, and converts the radial light into the parallel light.

The lens function element 133 is fitted within the window section 131 sothat the surface of the lens function element 133 does not stick outfrom a top surface of the connecting substrate 103E. A bottom surface ofthe ceramic substrate 121F (a surface opposed to the surface from whichthe light is gone out) is combined with the radiator device 104, likethe Seventh Embodiment.

Note that the radiator device 104 may be provided on the side end faceof the ceramic substrate 121, like the Seventh Embodiment. In this case,a collimating lens, for example, may be provided as the lens functionelement 133 within the window section 131.

As shown in FIG. 50, in cases where no lens function element is providedwithin the window section 131 of the connecting substrate 103F, thelight from the LED element substrate 102C is radially emitted upwardeven though the width and the depth of the window section 131 suppress,to some extent, the dispersion of the light emitted from the LED elementsubstrate 102C.

On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 51, the lens function element 133,provided within the window section 131 of the connecting substrate 103E,changes the direction of the light from the LED element substrate 102Csuch that the light from the LED element substrate 102C is directedperpendicularly upward and without any dispersing. On this account, itis possible to greatly improve the efficiency of light incident on thelight guide plate 112. This is because the reflection of the lightincident obliquely substantially diminishes.

Note that as shown in FIG. 49, even in case where a connecting substrate103E′ has a thin thickness, the lens function element 133 may stick outfrom the connecting substrate 103E′, provided that the light guide plate112 has a concave section which engages a convex section of the lensfunction element 133.

Eleventh Embodiment

In the arrangement of the Tenth Embodiment, the lens means forpreventing the light from dispersing is fitted within the window section131 of the connecting substrate 103. In Eleventh Embodiment of thepresent embodiments, a plurality of micro lenses on a transparent sheetmember are provided as lens means on an upper surface of the connectingsubstrate 103. FIG. 52 is a cross sectional view illustrating anarrangement of an LED lighting apparatus 101D of the Eleventh Embodimentof the present invention. In FIG. 52, this LED lighting substrate 101Dincludes an LED element substrate 102C, a connecting substrate 103Fprovided on the LED element substrate 102C, a lens function element 134provided on the connecting substrate 103F, and a radiator device 104provided under the LED element substrate 102C.

The lens function element 134 includes the transparent sheet member (alens sheet, not shown), and the micro lenses provided in a line or in aplurality of lines on the transparent sheet member. The transparentsheet member and the micro lenses are provided on a top surface of theconnecting substrate 103F the top surface indicating a surface opposedto a surface on which the LED element substrate 102C is provided.According to the arrangement, the parallel light enters to the lightguide plate 112 without being dispersed like the lens function element133 shown in FIG. 47. On this account, it is possible to greatly improvethe efficiency of light incident on the light guide plate 112.

Note that the transparent sheet member of the lens function element 134may be attached onto the connecting substrate 103F with an adhesiveagent. In cases where the connecting substrate 103F is made of atransparent and colorless material (light transmittance material), awindow section does not need to be provided. It is possible tointegrally provide the lens function element 134 (or the lens functionelement 133) with the connecting substrate 103F.

Twelfth Embodiment

In the arrangement of the Tenth Embodiment, lens means is used, and inthe arrangement of the Eleventh Embodiment, micro lens means is used. Inthe Twelfth Embodiment, lens means is realized by shaping, in a domemanner, a surface of a resin by which the molding was carried out withrespect to LED chips 122 and a connecting wire 123.

FIG. 53 through FIG. 55 are cross sectional view illustratingarrangements of an LED lighting apparatus of the Twelfth Embodiment inaccordance with the present invention. In each of the LED lightingapparatuses (light source apparatuses) 101E through 101G, as shown inFIG. 53 through FIG. 55, each surface (upper surface) of the resin bywhich the molding was carried out with respect to the LED chips 122 andthe connecting wires 123 is shaped in a dome manner (in a concave lensmanner). The lens function obtained by the shaping in a dome manner alsoallows the great improvement in the efficiency of the light incidencewithout dispersing the light to a light guide plates (not shown), likethe lens function element 133 shown in FIG. 47. Note that lens functionelements 135 through 137 may be realized by molding the molding resinswith the use of a mold having a shape of dome.

Thirteenth Embodiment

In the Thirteenth Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 56, on a top surface of aconnecting substrate 103F, a transparent sheet member containing afluorescer is provided. The fluorescer reacts the light emitted from theLED chip 122 so as to obtain a desired emission color.

FIG. 56 is a cross sectional view showing an arrangement of an LEDlighting apparatus of the Thirteenth Embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention. In FIG. 56, an LED lighting apparatus 101H includes aconcave section 121 d provided in the ceramic substrate 121F. Within theconcave section 121 d, an LED chip 122 a whose emission colorcorresponds to blue or a ultra violet region is provided with its bottomsurface made contact with the ceramic substrate 121F. The LED chip 122 ais die-bonded to a wiring pattern, (not shown) provided within theconcave section 121 d, at its predetermined position.

An electrode of the LED chip 122 a is wire-bonded to a wiring pattern(not shown), provided around the upper surface of the ceramic substrate121F, at its predetermined position via a connecting wire 123, therebypreparing an LED element substrate 102C.

A transparent sheet member 138 containing a fluorescer is provided on atop surface of the connecting substrate 103. When the fluorescer reactsthe light emitted from the LED chip 122, the fluorescer is excited bythe light, the transparent sheet member 138 emits a predeterminedcolored light which is different color from the light emitted from theLED chip 122 a.

The light emitted from the LED chip 122 a is mixed with the lightreflected (irradiated) by the transparent sheet member 138, therebyobtaining a desired colored light such as white colored light. Theprovision of the transparent sheet member 138 allows the step of mixinga fluorescer to the LED chip 122 a to be omitted. On this account, it ispossible to greatly improve the manufacturing efficiency.

Note that the Thirteenth Embodiment deals with the case where atransparent sheet member containing a fluorescer is provided, however,the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in caseswhere the LED chip 122 a and the connecting wire 123 are molded by aresin, it is possible to obtain a similar effect when a fluorescer isadded to the molding resin.

Note also that in the Thirteenth Embodiment, the concave section 121 d,where the LED chip 122 a is provided, may include two concave sections:a deep concave section 121 a and a shallow concave section 121 b, asdescribed in Seventh Embodiment.

The shallow concave section 121 b is provided around the deep concavesection 121 a formed.

Incidentally, well-known arrangements of conventional LED lightingapparatuses are shown in FIG. 57 through FIG. 61. FIG. 57 is aperspective view illustrating an arrangement of a conventional LEDelement substrate. In FIG. 57, in a LED element substrate 40, wiringpatterns 42 are provided on a resin substrate 41 made of glass-epoxyresin or other material. A single LED chip 43 or a plurality of LEDchips 43 (in case where a plurality of LED chips are provided, theircolors are different from each other) are die-bonded to the wiringpatterns 42.

An electrode of the LED chip 43 (the electrode is provided on thelight-emitting surface of the LED chip 43) is wire-bonded to one of thewiring patterns 42, at a predetermined position, via a connecting wire44 made of gold or the like. The LED chip 43 and the connecting wire 44are covered and sealed with a molding resin 45 such as epoxy resin orthe like. Electrode wiring terminals 46, which electrically carries outexternal connections of the LED element substrate 40A, are provided soas to extend and bridge between a part of a bottom surface of the resinsubstrate 41 and a part of a top surface of the resin substrate 41 via aside surface of the resin substrate 41, the bridged parts being like aU-shaped.

In the meantime, another arrangement of a well-known conventional LEDelement substrate is shown in FIG. 58. In FIG. 58, an LED elementsubstrate 40A includes a concave section 41 a in a resin substrate 41A.Within the concave section 41 a, wiring patterns 42 are provided. Asingle or a plurality of LED chips 43 (in the case where a plurality ofLED chips are provided, their colors are different from each other) aredie-bonded by a solder (not shown in the figure) or the like to thewiring patterns 42.

In this case, the LED chip 43 is soldered with its bottom surface madecontact with the resin substrate 41A. An electrode of the LED chip 43(the electrode is provided on the light-emitting surface of the LED chip43) is wire-bonded to one of the wiring patterns 42, at a predeterminedposition, via a connecting wire 44 made of gold or the like. The concavesection 41 a is covered and sealed with a molding resin 45A such asepoxy resin or the like. Electrode wiring terminals 46, whichelectrically carries out external connections of the LED elementsubstrate 40A, are provided so as to extend and bridge between a part ofa bottom surface of the resin substrate 41 and a part of a side surfaceof the resin substrate 41, the bridged parts being like an L-shaped.

In cases where an LED lighting apparatus, such as a light source forillumination, is arranged by using the conventional LED elementsubstrate 40 or 40A shown in FIG. 57 and FIG. 58, a plurality of LEDelement substrates 40 or 40A are attached to a connecting substrate 47,made of a glass-epoxy resin or the like, by solders 47 a or the like(see FIG. 59 or FIG. 60) in a single line or in a plurality of lines.Here, the LED chips 43 are provided with their bottom surfaces madecontact with the resin substrates 41 or 41A.

Further, for example, in cases where the LED lighting apparatuses areused in an LCD backlight apparatus or a variety of lighting apparatuses,a large current is required for driving the LED lighting apparatuses.Therefore, the heat caused by the large current driving should be fullyradiated. In this case, as shown in FIG. 59 and FIG. 60, a radiatordevice 48 such as heatsink is provided on a bottom surface of theconnected surface 47.

As shown in FIG. 61, the LED lighting apparatuses are provided such thatthe light from the LED element substrate 40A is entered into a sidesurface of an light guide plate 49 of the back light apparatus.

For example, a modified example of the LED element substrate 40A shownin FIG. 58 is disclosed in Japanese Publication for Unexamined PatentApplication No. 7-38154 (Tokukaihei 7-38154, published on Feb. 7, 1995).In the publication, an LED element substrate is arranged such that twogroove sections are provided in a top surface of two facing outer wallsamong four outer walls surrounding the concave section 41 a. The groovesection has a predetermined width, communicates between the concavesection 41 a and its outside, and has a depth that is shallower than theheight of the concave section 41 a. An electrode of the LED chip 43 iswire-bonded to a wiring pattern provided on a bottom surface of thegroove section via a connecting wire 44.

According to the LED element substrate disclosed in Japanese Publicationfor Unexamined Patent Application No. 7-38154, (i) the resin for thesealing is required only for a small area where the concave section 41 aand the groove section are provided, and (ii) the connecting wire 44 isconnected in the bottom surface of the groove that is shallower than theconcave section 41 a. This ensures to suppress the resin amount for theconcave section 41 a and the groove sections.

On this account, it is possible to reduce the effect caused by the heatand/or stress, thereby improving reliability. In cases where a pluralityof LED chips whose emission colors are different from each other areprovided, an interval between the LED chips becomes shorter because ofthe small area of the concave section 41 a, thereby attaining uniformcolor mixture of the light emitted from the respective LED chips.

Furthermore, since the groove sections can be prepared during themanufacturing process by dividing the grooves provided between theconcave sections, it is possible to easily adjust the resin amount basedon the squeegee method during filling the resin in the concave section,thereby promoting an efficiency of mass-production processes of the LEDelement substrate.

In the meantime, described in Japanese Publication for Unexamined PatentApplication No. 6-230731 (Tokukaihei 6-230731, published on Aug. 19,1994) is an LED display apparatus in which (i) a LED chip facing a lighttransmittance substrate and a driver IC are provided on a bottom surfaceof the light transmittance, and (ii) an anode electrode of the LED chipis connected to a wiring pattern on the light transmittance substratevia a bump.

According to the publication, even in case where the LED displayapparatus is a high-definition display apparatus having a large numberof dots, the electrode of the LED chip and the wiring pattern areconnected via the bump. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid theincreasing of the manufacturing steps and the lowering of yield ratiowithout increasing the number of the connecting wires. Also, because noconnecting wire is provided in an area near the light-emitting surfaceof the LED chip, the light emitted from the LED chip is not reflected bythe connecting wire, thereby improving an optical characteristic.Further, because no LED chip is provided a surface of the substratethrough which the light gone out, i.e., is flat, it is possible toobtain a good optical characteristic. Furthermore, when a radiatormember is provided on a bottom surface that is opposed to a surfacewhere the LED chip is provided, the heat from the LED chip can beefficiently radiated. The radiator member can be used as a wiring memberfor connecting the wiring pattern of the substrate having proper lighttransmittance to the electrode of the LED chip.

In the meantime, disclosed in Japanese Publication for Unexamined PatentApplication No. 2001-284659 (Tokukai 2001-284659, published on Oct. 12,2001) is an LED lighting apparatus in which, (i) on a surface of a metalsubstrate, a metal container having a hollow section which is filledwith liquid having a heat conduction, and (ii) an electrically insulatedlayer on the metal container, a wiring pattern which is electricallyconnected to an LED chip.

According to the LED lighting apparatus, the heat caused by the LED chipis conveyed to a lead section of the LED chip, the wiring pattern, theelectrically insulated layer, and the metal container in this order.Then, the heat is conveyed to the liquid which fills the hollow section,and spreads over the entire metal container, and finally the heat isradiated into the air. In this case, because the substrate is made ofmetal, the heat is efficiently conveyed to the metal from the entiremetal container. On this account, the heat from the LED chip isefficiently radiated, thereby respectively improving luminous efficiencyand duration of life of the LED lighting apparatus.

However, in the conventional LED lighting apparatus shown in FIG. 61,the radiator device 48 such as heatsink is provided on the bottomsurface of the connecting substrate 47 (the surface (bottom surface)opposed to the surface where the LED element substrate is provided). Onthis account, the heat generated by the Led chip 43 is conveyed to theradiator device 48 via (i) the resin substrate 41A constituting the LEDelement substrate 40A and (ii) the connecting substrate 47.

Here, because the resin substrate 41A and the connecting substrate 47,those of which are provided between the LED chip 43 and the radiatordevice 48, are made of resin, heat-conduction of the LED lightingapparatus is poor. This causes a problem that the heat is notsufficiently radiated from the LED lighting apparatus. The problem alsooccurs in cases where the LED element substrate 40 is used.

Further, in cases where avoid space is formed between the resinsubstrate 41A and the connecting substrate 47, a layer of air is formedtherebetween. This may deteriorate the heat-conduction worse.

Accordingly, in the LED lighting apparatus, driven by a large current,such as a light source, the large amount of current consumptionincreases an amount of the heat from the LED chip 43. On this account,more heat stress is imposed on the LED element substrate 40A andsufficient luminosity cannot be obtained. This causes a problem ofreliability of the light-emitting property.

On the other hand, according to the LED element substrate disclosed inthe above-mentioned Japanese Publication for Unexamined PatentApplication No. 7-38154, it is intended to reduce the effect due to theheat stress by reducing amount of resin for sealing the concave sectionand the groove sections. However, this conventional art does not takeany account of the heat conduction between the LED chips served as theheat generation source and the radiator device. Therefore, a similarproblem to that of the foregoing conventional LED lighting apparatus.

The present invention is made to solve the conventional problem, and itsobject is to provide (i) a lighting apparatus which can efficientlycarry out the radiation from the LED chip to the radiator device with asimplified structure, (ii) a backlight apparatus in which the lightingapparatus is used, and (iii) a display apparatus in which the backlightapparatus is used.

To achieve the object, a lighting apparatus (another type oflight-emitting apparatus) of the present invention includes one or morelight-emitting devices for emitting light by converting a current intothe light; at least one light-emitting device substrate on a top surfaceof which at least one of the one or more of the light-emitting devicesis provided; a heat-discharging member bonded to at least one of abottom surface and side surfaces of the light-emitting device substrate.

Preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that only an adhesive agent and the light-emitting devicesubstrate are provided between the light-emitting device and the heatdischarging member, the adhesive agent for die-boding the light-emittingdevice and the light-emitting device substrate.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged as to include a connecting substrate, provided on the topsurface of the light-emitting device substrate, having a predeterminedwiring pattern for supplying electricity to said one or morelight-emitting devices, the connecting substrate having alight-transmitting section provided in a position, corresponding to aposition of said one or more light-emitting devices.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the light-emitting device substrate includes aelectrode-wiring terminal in at least one of both edges of the surfaceof the light-emitting device substrate, the electrode-wiring terminalfor establishing connection with a predetermined wiring pattern providedon the connecting substrate.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that a plurality of the light-emitting device substrates arearranged in one or more lines and the predetermined wiring patterns ofthe plurality of the light-emitting device substrates are electricallyconnected with electrode-wiring terminal of the connecting substrate.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the light-emitting device substrate is a ceramicsubstrate, that is, the light-emitting device substrate of the lightingapparatus of the present invention is a ceramic substrate.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the light-emitting device is a light-emitting diode.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that a plurality of the light-emitting devices emit light indifferent colors from the others.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the light-emitting device is die-bonded to a predeterminedposition of the wiring pattern provided on the top surface of thelight-emitting device substrate, and an electrode of the light-emittingdevice is wire-bonded to another predetermined position of the wiringpattern via a connecting wire.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that a concave section is provided on the surface of thelight-emitting device substrate, the light-emitting device beingdie-bonded to a predetermined position of a wiring pattern providedwithin the concave section.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the concave section includes a deeper concave section in acenter section thereof, and a shallower concave section around thedeeper concave section, and the light-emitting device is die-bonded to apredetermined position of a wiring pattern provided within said deeperconcave section, whereas an electrode of said light-emitting device iswire-bonded to a predetermined position of a wiring pattern providedwithin said shallower concave section.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the light-emitting device is die-bonded to a predeterminedposition of a wiring pattern provided on a flat surface of thelight-emitting device substrate.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the light-transmitting section includes a lens means forpreventing dispersion of light that is emitted from the light-emittingdevice.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the light-transmitting section is a window section.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the lens means is fitted in the window section so that thelens means is not protruded out above the top surface of the connectingsubstrate.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the lens means is a micro lens.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the micro lens mean includes the micro lens meansincludes: a transparent sheet member; and a plurality of the microlenses on said transparent sheet member, the plurality of the microlenses arranged in one or more lines.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the connecting substrate is made of a transparent materialhaving no color; and the lens means is incorporated in the connectingsubstrate.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that a periphery of the light-emitting device and a peripheryof the connecting wire are molded with resin.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that at least the resin molding the periphery of thelight-emitting device has a dorm-like shape and constitutes the lensmeans.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the resin contains a fluorescer, which emits light in adesired color by being exited by the light emitted from thelight-emitting device.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the connecting substrate includes, on a surface thereof, atransparent sheet member containing a fluorescer, which emits light in adesired color by being exited by the light emitted from thelight-emitting device, the surface being reverse to the surface thatfaces the light-emitting substrate.

More preferably, the lighting apparatus of the present invention is soarranged that the light-emitting device emits light in a color in a blueor a ultra violet region.

To achieve the object, a backlight apparatus of the present inventionincludes (i) any one of the foregoing light-emitting apparatuses, and(ii) a light guide plate whose light-receiving surface faces alight-emitting surface of said light-emitting apparatus, said lightguide plate propagating therethrough light received on saidlight-receiving surface, and then emitting the light from a surface.

To achieve the object, a display apparatus of the present invention mayinclude a display panel having a pair of substrates, which sandwich adisplaying medium therebetween, said display panel displaying byapplying a display voltage between the substrates, a backlight apparatusprovided on a bottom surface of said display panel.

More preferably, the display panel of the present invention is a liquidcrystal display panel in which the displaying medium is a liquid crystallayer sandwiched between the pair of the substrates, and said liquidcrystal display panel displaying by changing orientation of a liquidcrystal molecule in each of picture elements by applying a displayvoltage between the substrates, the picture elements being arranged inmatrix.

According to the foregoing arrangement, an effect of the presentinvention is explained below.

In the arrangement of the present invention, there is onlylight-emitting device substrate (a ceramic substrate, for example)between a light-emitting device (such as a light-emitting diode chip;hereinafter referred as an “LED chip”) and a heat-discharging member (aradiator device; a heat-discharging element). In other words, thearrangement of the present invention is much simpler than an arrangementof a conventional art, in which a resin connecting substrate is furtherprovided to these members. Therefore, according to the presentinvention, it is possible to more efficiently conduct heat toheat-discharging element from the LED chip.

Further, in case where the light-emitting device substrate is, forexample, a ceramic substrate having proper heat-conductivity, thisallows heat to be conducted further efficiently to the heat-dischargingelement from the LED chip.

Furthermore, a connecting substrate, which has a light-transmittingsection such as a window section in that area of the connectingsubstrate which corresponds to an area that the light-emitting device isprovided, is provided on the upper surface of light-emitting devicesubstrate. On the account of this, the window section prevents lightfrom dispersing; the incident angle of the light entering the lightguide plate is prevented to be larger; and reflection from thelight-receiving surface of the light guide plate is suppressed. Thereby,luminance of the display apparatus is improved.

Here, explained is a problem to be solved for improving the efficiencyin entering the light into the light guide plate, wire reference to theconventional art described above.

In case where an LED lighting apparatus is used as a light source of anLCD backlight apparatus, light is directed from an LED element substrate40A to a light guide plate 49. In this case, the light emitted from anLED chip 43 is radially dispersed, and enters the light-receivingsurface of the light guide plate 49 at angles including not only theright angle but also non-orthogonal angles. On the account of this, thelight is reflected in the light-receiving surface of the light guideplate 49, thereby raising a problem that efficiency of light enteringthe light guide plate 49 (in other words, efficiency of light receptionin the light guide plate 49) decreases.

Moreover, an LED display apparatus described in the above-mentionedJapanese Publication for Unexamined Patent Application No. 6-230731, isso arranged that no connecting wire is provided in a vicinity of a frontof the light-emitting section, and that surface of the substrate fromwhich transmission light exits is flat because LED chip is not providedon the surface, thereby obtaining good optical characteristic. However,in the arrangement, the efficiency of light entering the light guideplate from the LED chip is not taken into account. Therefore, there is apossibility that the problem of the efficiency of the light entering thelight guide plate occurs in the arrangement, too.

The present invention is made to solve the foregoing problem. Accordingto the present invention, it is possible to more efficiently convey heatto the heat-discharging element from the LED chip with such a simplearrangement. Further, according to the present invention, efficiency oflight entering the light guide plate from the LED chip increases,thereby improving luminance of the display apparatus.

It is possible to attain better heat radiation efficiency and theefficiency in entering the light by the simple arrangement in which thelight-emitting device mounting device is provided between the connectingsubstrate and the heat-discharging member in addition to theconventional arrangement in which the connecting substrate is providedbetween the light-emitting device mounting substrate and theheat-discharging member.

Thereinafter, this is described in further details.

In the arrangement of the present invention, an LED chip is die-bondedto a wiring pattern provided on a flat ceramic substrate or on a ceramicsubstrate provided with a concave section formed in a surface of thesubstrate. The LED chip is so die-bonded on the substrate that a surfaceof the LED which faces the ceramic substrate is a reverse surface of alight-emitting surface of the LED. A heat-discharging element such as aheatsink is bonded to that surface of the ceramic substrate which isreverse to a light-emitting surface of the ceramic substrate, or to oneof side surfaces of the ceramic substrate. (The side surfaces of theceramic substrate are the surfaces vertical to the light-emittingsurface or the reverse surface of the ceramic substrate.) On the accountof this, heat generated from the LED chip due to supply of electricityis conducted to the heat-discharging element only via the ceramicsubstrate and an adhesive agent that die-bonds the LED chip to theceramic substrate.

Meanwhile, the connecting substrate is provided on that surface of theceramic substrate in which the light-emitting device is provided.Therefore, according to the arrangement, heat is more efficientlyconducted than in the conventional arrangement in which sufficient heatdischarge cannot be performed due to poor heat conduction caused by theresin substrate and the connecting substrate provided between the LEDchip and the heat-discharging element.

Electrode-wiring terminals are provided in areas near both edges of theupper surface of the ceramic substrate. The electrode-wiring terminalsare connected to the connecting substrate by a solder or the likemethod. Furthermore, the heat-discharging element may be provided on atleast any one of (i) the top surface of the ceramic substrate and (ii)the side surfaces of the ceramic substrate.

According to the lighting apparatus of the present invention,heat-discharging efficiency is increased. Therefore, the lightingapparatus of the present invention is suitable for apparatuses driven bya large amount of electricity such as (i) a backlight apparatus and (ii)a variety of light sources for lighting apparatus.

In case where the lighting apparatus of the present invention is usedfor a backlight apparatus, a lens mean (or a lens function element)which converts the radial light to the parallel light is provided in aposition corresponding to a light-transmitting section such as a windowsection provided in the connecting substrate. This allows the light toenter the light-receiving surface of the light guide plateperpendicularly, thereby further improving efficiency in entering thelight into the light guide plate. On the account of this, in a displayapparatus in which the backlight apparatus is used, better luminance canbe attained.

The LED chip may be one LED chip or multiple LED chips having differentcolors respectively. In case where an LED has color which corresponds toblue or the ultra violet region, a fluorescer may be added in themolding resin. In case where the fluorescer is added, the fluorescer isexcited by the light emitted from the LED chip, whereby a desired coloris obtained. Moreover, the present invention may be so arranged that atransparent sheet member containing the fluorescer is provided on thereverse surface of the connecting substrate. The reverse surface isreverse to that surface of the connection substrate on which the LEDchip is provided. Again in this arrangement, the fluorescer is excitedby the light emitted from the LED chip, whereby a desired color isobtained.

The concave section where the LED chip is provided may be constituted bytwo concave sections; a shallower concave section is provided so as tosurround an aperture of a deeper concave section. This arrangementallows the wiring pattern provided on the surface of the shallowerconcave section to be wire-bonded to an electrode of the LED chip,thereby lessening amount of resin and lessening further stress whenthermal stress is imposed, as in the arrangement described in JapanesePublication for Unexamined Patent Application No. 7-38154.

As described above, according to the present invention, heat generatedfrom the light-emitting device when the light-emitting device emitslight is conducted directly to the heat-discharging element from thelight-emitting device substrate—whereas in the conventional arrangement,the heat is conducted via the connecting substrate. This arrangementimproves heat conduction. This enables display drive in which a largeamount of electricity is used, thereby making it possible to improveluminance of the display apparatus.

With this arrangement, thermal stress imposed on the light-emittingdevice is lessened, thereby improving reliability. Further, in casewhere the light-emitting device substrate is a ceramic substrate,instead of a resin substrate in the conventional arrangement, heat canbe conducted more efficiently to the heat-discharging element from thelight-emitting device.

Also in the arrangement of the present invention, a connecting substratehaving a light-transmitting section such as a window section provided inan area corresponding to the light-emitting device is provided on theupper surface of the light-emitting device substrate. The light passingthrough the window section will enter the light guide plate at a wideincident angle, thereby suppressing the reflection of the light from thelight-entering surface of the light guide plate. This attains dramaticimprovement in the efficiency in entering the light from thelight-emitting device to the light guide plate, thereby attaining betterdisplay luminance.

Further, the lens means provided in the window section of the connectingsubstrate or the like converts the light emitted from the light-emittingdevice, which is radial light, into the parallel light, thereby enablingthe light to enter the light-receiving surface of the light guide platevertically. On the account of this, efficiency of light entering thelight guide plate is improved, thereby improving luminance of thedisplay apparatus.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, because the fluoresceris excited by that light, whose color corresponds to blue or the ultraviolet region, emitted from the light-emitting device, a desired colorcan be obtained without using multiple light-emitting devices havingdifferent colors respectively.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same waymay be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intendedto be included within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light-emitting apparatus comprising: a ceramicpackage; a conductive pattern formed on said ceramic package; a firstlight-emitting device mounted on a mounting area of said ceramicpackage, including an electrode electrically connected to saidconductive pattern; a protective device provided on said ceramic packageand electrically connected to said first light-emitting device, and aconcave section formed on said ceramic package, wherein said protectivedevice is provided within said concave section.
 2. The light-emittingapparatus of claim 1, wherein said protective device is a capacitorelement.
 3. The light-emitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidprotective device is provided on a bottom of said ceramic package. 4.The light-emitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said firstlight-emitting device is covered with a resin.
 5. The light-emittingapparatus of claim 4, further comprising a first wire connected betweensaid conductive pattern and a top electrode of said first light-emittingdevice.
 6. The light-emitting apparatus of claim 5, wherein said firstwire is covered with said resin.
 7. The light-emitting apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein said conductive pattern is covered with said resin. 8.The light-emitting apparatus of claim 4, wherein said resin is made of atransparent resin.
 9. The light-emitting apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a metal layer buried in said ceramic package.
 10. Thelight-emitting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising terminalpatterns provided on a bottom of said ceramic package, wherein saidterminal patterns are electrically connected to said conductive pattern.11. The light-emitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein a depth of saidconcave section is larger than a height of said protective device. 12.The light-emitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein a thickness of saidfirst light-emitting device is larger than a thickness of saidprotective device.
 13. The light-emitting apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid ceramic package contains aluminum nitride.
 14. The light-emittingapparatus of claim 1, wherein said protective device is connected inparallel to said first light-emitting device.
 15. The light-emittingapparatus of claim 1, wherein a level of said mounting area on whichsaid first light-emitting device is mounted differs from a level of amounting area on which said protective device is provided.
 16. Thelight-emitting apparatus of claim 15, the level of said mounting area onwhich said first light-emitting device is mounted is above the level ofthe mounting area on which said protective device is provided.
 17. Thelight-emitting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a secondlight-emitting device mounted on said mounting area of said ceramicpackage, including said electrode electrically connected to saidconductive pattern.